Venue wizard to spearhead T-Mobile Center

Article posted by Coliseum, October 5^th, 2021

Image: T-Mobile Center

ASM Global, the global leader in event production and venue management strategy, announced that Jay Cooper has been named General Manager of T-Mobile Center, Kansas City’s (US) home for live entertainment and sporting events that anchors more than $8 billion in economic investment in a revitalized downtown.

The ‘T-Mobile Center’ quoted Ron Bension, President and head honcho of ASM Global, as stating, “We are delighted to announce Jay’s appointment as General Manager of the T-Mobile Center. Having worked with some of the world’s leading venues, sports teams and event organizations, Jay will bring a wealth of experience and extensive industry relationships that will greatly benefit the facility.”

Los Angeles (US)-headquartered ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.

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The 18,972-capacity T-Mobile Center is Kansas City’s home for live entertainment and sporting events. Anchor to more than $8 billion of reinvestment in a revitalized downtown Kansas City, the award-winning venue has welcomed more than 12 million guests since opening in 2007.

Enthused Jay Cooper, “I am excited and honored to lead the talented team at T-Mobile Center as General Manager. Kansas City is a vibrant market and the staffs of T-Mobile Center have an excellent reputation for delivering exceptional entertainment experiences. I am thrilled and look forward to collaborating with our team, the City of Kansas City and our partners to bring about the safe and timely return of live events to the Midwest.”

The ‘T-Mobile Center’ further stated that with more than 34 years of venue management expertise complemented by facility development experience, Cooper brings a unique skill set to the General Manager position having led numerous projects around the world through planning, construction and operational stages. Cooper worked directly on the development and implementation of enterprise-wide supporting programs, including security, sustainability, energy management, and VenueShield, ASM Global’s industry-leading post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery program.

Cooper’s 25-year career with ASM Global began as General Manager of the 20,000-capacity Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio (US), where he was responsible for the pre-opening, marketing, booking, and operations. He oversaw the development and management of the arena which is the home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL’s) Columbus Blue Jackets along with numerous concerts and other professional sports. In addition, he has previously served in senior management roles at the 20,000-capacity Toyota Park in the Chicago Metro area – home of the Major League Soccer (MLS) team Chicago Fire FC, Tampa’s 21,500-capacity Amalie Arena – home of the National Hockey League (NHL) team Tampa Bay Lightning and the 20,066-capacity Joe Louis Arena in Detroit which was once the home venue of the NHL team Detroit Red Wings. The arena has since been demolished.

In his most recent role as the Senior Vice-President of Global Solutions, Cooper worked with venue owners and operators to identify fully integrated operational solutions and customized packages of services designed to improve operational performance, maximize returns from construction and capital expenditures and optimize revenue generation potential for each facility. His international expertise includes directing and executing pre-opening plans associated with newly built and renovated stadiums and arenas.

Observed Doug Thornton, Executive Vice-President, ASM Global, “Jay is an industry veteran who will optimize all aspects of venue operations and elevate T-Mobile Center as a community partner. He also understands what our clients, staff and guests need to be successful and will be committed to exceeding their expectations.”

A graduate of the University of Iowa, Tippie College of Business with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Cooper earned a Master of Arts degree in Sports Administration from the Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan (US).

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